Thousands of families living in informal settlements continue to face uncertainty regarding secure land tenure due to the expiration of numerous development leases. Housing Minister Maciu Nalumisa highlighted this issue during a parliamentary session focused on lease title issuance for informal settlement upgrade projects. Since 2014, only four state leases and 21 native leases remain valid out of 48 development leases acquired.
Past planning deficiencies have left many families without secure tenure, despite completed infrastructure upgrades. Minister Nalumisa reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to tackling this issue by planning to renew four leases annually, aiming to resolve the problem within 12 years. The goal is to implement transformative changes at the grassroots level.
Efforts are currently underway to secure land tenure for families in various settlements. Notably, 1,213 lease offer letters were issued in May to residents in Cuvu, providing security for 108 families and five religious groups. Work is progressing in settlements such as Waidamudamu and Lebusasasa, benefiting over 340 families. This year’s financial allocation for these projects is approximately $14.6 million, which will support upgrades in six more settlements, impacting over 500 households.
Minister Nalumisa also announced the launch of four new projects this year, which will provide security for 605 families, with plans for 17 additional settlements to support nearly 3,000 households. These initiatives are part of the government’s broader strategy to transform informal settlements into stable and resilient communities, showing a strong commitment to improving the living conditions of thousands in Fiji’s informal areas.
The government’s determination to address housing challenges offers hope to residents of informal settlements. By formalizing land tenure, this initiative aims to provide immediate security and foster long-term community resilience and stability. Through collaboration with various stakeholders, Fiji is moving towards a future where stable housing becomes a reality for all its citizens.